In the past, bunk beds used twin mattresses on the top and bottom bunks, which gave anyone larger than a small child very little room to move around. Luckily, modern bunk beds are much more versatile, offering varying sizes to meet the needs of whoever is sleeping on them, so you can get the perfect one to fit kids, teens, or adults if needed.
When it comes to bunk beds, several safety standards Trusted Source Bunk Beds Business Guidance | CPSC.gov Federal law requires that bunk beds comply with the bunk bed standard and with additional requirements, including those of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). www.cpsc.gov must be met, though mattresses aren’t so restricted. As long as the size of the bunk bed mattress fits the bunk bed you have in your home with no gaps between it and the guardrail without popping over the sides, you can use it. You can also choose the type of mattress you like, including cooling gel, memory foam, or even regular foam. For more information on bunk bed mattress sizes, check out the following sections.
Bunk beds have two beds in one, with one bed positioned a few feet over the other one. These give you room for more than one person to sleep without requiring the space for two separate beds. There are several size options available, which we’ll discuss below.
The double twin bunk bed includes a twin mattress on the top and bottom bunks. These are the standard bunk bed mattress size, with dimensions of 38 x 75 inches for each bunk, and the most common one used. You can use any twin mattress for these beds.
If you are on a crafty side, you can always create your own bunk bed, but always use standard size measurements so you could get mattress to fit:
A double full bunk bed uses these larger mattresses on the top and bottom bunks. Though they take up more room due to the bigger bed sizes, they are more comfortable for teenagers or adults to sleep on. These beds require mattresses sized at about 53 x 75 inches, so you do need more space in the room you’re using them in, though they still take up less room than two separate beds.
Double twin XL bunk beds aren’t as common as the regular twin models, though they are a must for taller individuals. Though they have the same width as a twin mattress, they are 80 inches long, making them about the same length as a queen or king mattress. You can even get a twin XL mattress topper to add a bit more cushion if needed.
The twin and full combo bunk bed has become one of the more common mattress combinations, with a twin bed on top and a full mattress on the bottom. This is best for kids of varying ages or when you need room for three to sleep but don’t have room for extra beds.
Shorty bunk beds are just like regular bunk beds with one very important exception. These are much shorter at about 50 to 55 inches in height, reducing the risk of serious injury if a child should happen to fall out of the top bunk at some point. This makes them a great option for smaller children, plus they fit much better in rooms with low ceilings than a regular-sized bunk bed.
When it comes to the size of bunk bed mattress to use with a shorty bunk bed, you don’t need to worry about purchasing specially-made pieces. They use the same standard twin or double mattress sizes as the other beds, they are just lower to the ground when you put your little ones in bed. Of course, you still shouldn’t put small children on the top bunk of a shorty bed. Kids should be at least 6 years old Trusted Source Rest easy with these bunk bed safety tips Bunk beds are great space savers, and children love them. Keep in mind, however, that these beds also can be dangerous. www.aappublications.org before they are allowed on the upper bunk.
A trundle bed looks like a regular bunk bed at first glance but it actually has a hidden third mattress beneath the bottom bunk. You can slide this mattress out whenever needed and then slip it back beneath that lower bunk when you’re finished with it. For those with limited space but still need room for a third person, the trundle bunk bed is a great option.
A futon bunk bed has a regular bunk on top with a futon on the bottom. These are great for small apartments or dorm rooms with limited space for furniture since the futon can be used as a couch during the day and a bed at night. Futon mattresses are thinner than standard options, so you do need a special one to fit this area.
Bunk beds with a Queen or King mattress on the bottom and a twin or twin XL on top are rare but not impossible to find. These are great for adults who need to share a sleeping area with their kids, though you do need a large master bedroom to house this piece of furniture.
When choosing a new mattress, there are a few features that you may want to keep an eye out for to ensure you’re getting a quality model.
When you sleep on a bunk bed, any noise from the other bunk can keep you awake. Reducing the amount of noise by using quiet mattresses that contain foam instead of springs can help reduce the creaks when sleepers move around in bed at night.
Bunk beds include safety rails but the shorter rails are useless if the mattress is higher than the top of the rail. A low-profile mattress is about 6 to 7 inches high, which keeps it below these types of guard rails while still offering plenty of comfort.
Heat rises, making the top bunk warmer at all times, which can be especially uncomfortable during the summer months. Luckily, many mattresses include cooling technology that helps reduce the heat for a more comfortable sleep.
Though the weight of a bottom bunk mattress may not matter, a heavy one on top could damage the support beneath it and become a safety hazard to both sleepers. The lighter the mattress, the safer it is on that top bunk.
If you’re unsure which mattress to buy, the following chart breaks down the dimensions for the mattress sizes available.
| Bunk bed | Mattress | Dimensions (cm) | Dimensions (in) | Where to Buy |
| Twin | Twin | 188 x 95.5 | 75 x 39 | Awara |
| Twin XL | Twin XL | 203.5 x 96.5 | 80 x 39 | NaturalForm |
| Full | Full | 190.5 x 134.5 | 75 x 54 | eLuxury |
| Full XL | Full XL | 203.5 x 137 | 80 x 53 | Brooklyn Bedding |
| Queen | Queen | 203.5 x 152 | 80 x 60 | Amerisleep |
| King | King | 203.5 x 192 | 80 x 76 | Puffy |
Bunk beds are handy pieces of furniture, giving you multiple sleeping areas without taking up more space than you have available. You can choose the perfect model to match the number of people you need to accommodate and the available space in your home. You can even pick the bed with the right size of bunk bed mattress to match the person you’re trying to fit in the bed.
Be sure that the mattress fits snugly in the bunk bed you’re purchasing to reduce gaps between it and the frame and prevent injuries during the night. There are even shorty models for smaller kids or futon bunk beds to give you two pieces of furniture in one. With so many options available, you should have no trouble finding the perfect model to meet your needs.
